Senior Missile Structure and Actuation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company ! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level . nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities.

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is here to build systems that solve our nation's most challenging defense problems in an enjoyable, stimulating environment. We're looking for talented builders with high levels of curiosity and extremely strong grounding in fundamentals and engineering first principles. If you're hungry for harder problems, used to working quickly, and excited to take innovative systems from napkin to the field, this is your happy place.

We are pleased to announce the opening for a Senior Missile Structure and Actuation Engineer who will join our elite R&D team in Huntsville, Alabama building transformative low cost interceptors for emerging DoD applications. nSI is known for fielding revolutionary missile defense systems, pioneering step changes in RF seeker technology, introducing principled AI systems, and rapidly pioneering novel defense platforms, from space to the seabed. We're small and agile, and ready to disrupt the status quo.

Responsibilities:

Our small team has developed a game-changing interferometric RF seeker technology which has significant implications for making low-complexity, low-cost, high-performance interceptors for combating raids of asymmetric threats. Our seeker approach is patented, tested, funded by multiple customers, and in high demand for emerging threats.

You will be an integral part of a team developing a best-in-class interceptor around this seeker as our structure and actuation lead. Starting from your knowledge of both first principles and practical deployment challenges, you'll architect, rapidly prototype, and test the airframe, internal structure, and aero control actuators for highly maneuverable, small diameter (120 mm and lower) surface-to-air interceptor designs. You will define the optimal airframe configuration, design lightweight yet robust structural solutions, select and integrate actuator systems, and develop innovative mechanical solutions that push the boundaries of what's achievable at low-cost in contested environments against stressing threats. Your work will span the full mechanical system - from aerodynamic load analysis through structural optimization to actuator integration and control surface design. Canards, chords, composites, control surface actuators, and cost optimization should be your bread and butter.

You'll interface directly with aerodynamics, manufacturing, propulsion, and GNC experts to ensure your structural/actuation designs exploit our seeker to the fullest. This includes developing high-performance, low-cost structural designs that maintain integrity across the full flight envelope and designing robust actuation systems that deliver precise control authority under the extreme conditions of supersonic flight.

As part of our small, elite team, you'll take structural and actuation concepts from whiteboard sketches to flight tests in months, not years.

Basic Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree minimum in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or similar technical field
• Seven years of full-time professional experience in missile or aerospace structures and actuation engineering roles
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret Security Clearance

Technical Competencies - You must demonstrate expertise in:

• Missile airframe structural design including monocoque, semi-monocoque, composite sandwich, and hybrid structures
• Actuator system design and integration (electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic)
• Finite element analysis (FEA) and structural optimization
• Aeroelastic analysis and flutter prediction
• Thermal-structural analysis for supersonic flight vehicles
• Manufacturing and assembly considerations for low-cost, high-volume, reliable supply-chain production
• Impact of structural and actuation choices on platform cost, other subsystems, and integration/manufacturing complexity

Core Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of structural dynamics, vibration, and shock environments in missile systems
• Sufficient technical expertise to understand the impact of seeker integration, warhead placement, propulsion loads, control surface effectiveness, and flight envelope on structural design
• Proficiency in rapid prototyping of structural designs from concept through flight test
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative structural solutions from first principles for various flight regimes
• Strong materials understandings including composites, metals, and emerging materials
• Experience with actuator sizing, dynamics, and control system integration

Software & Tools:

• ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar FEA software for structural analysis
• CAD tools for detailed design
• Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) tools
• Familiarity with actuator modeling and simulation tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with small diameter supersonic missile platforms
• Direct experience taking a missile structure from paper design through captive carry and free flight testing
• Experience in designing systems for reliable supply chains and volume manufacturing

Who is nou (pronounced 'new') Systems?

Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions.

We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Our culture is firmly established in treating our employees like family. Benefits of working at nSI

nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment.

Other specific benefits include:

• Competitive Wages*
• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
• Generous company-funded Basic Life Insurance
• Company-funded Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Optional Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Personal Time Off, Annual Leave, and Paid Federal Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing training, continuing education, or advanced degree programs
• Personal Development, Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location.

nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit systems.com/workingatnou. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.